Songs For Our Fathers: The Glory That is Fatherhood

Fathers shape the world. Through their love, labor, lessons and sometimes through their absence, they leave a legacy that lives on in us. Join More Than a Single Story and The Friends of the Saint Paul Library for a series of 2 panels that aim to bridge cultural, racial, and generational divides as single fathers, married fathers, stepfathers, and grandfathers gather to explore the songs and silences passed down by our fathers, and the stories we’re crafting now as we raise, support, and stand beside the next generation.

Co-Moderators: Ben Weaver and Suleiman Adan.

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Panelist Bios

Alexei Moon Casselle, known on stage as Crescent Moon, is a father, educator, and artist who first discovered the power of words at age 12—thanks to a teacher who turned classroom outbursts into creative writing assignments. By 15, he was writing rap lyrics and performing at South High School, launching a music career rooted in Hip Hop that remains at the core of his work. As a former member of the group Oddjobs and current member of Kill The Vultures, he has toured internationally and shared stages with artists like Snoop Dogg, Shock G of Digital Underground, and De la Soul. Over the years, his creative expression has expanded to include Folk/Americana, Spoken Word, and experimental music that resists easy categorization. Alexei is the proud father of a teenage daughter, and together they write and perform as the duo DoubleDragon. His journey as a parent deeply shapes both his songwriting and his work as a secondary educator, where he helps amplify young voices.

Nick Metcalf is Sicangu Oyate – Burnt Thigh People – Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Nick has lived in the Twin Cities for 30 years where they’ve made a life filled with lots of friends, family, and community. Nick is a proud Parent and Grandparent. Nick is a Poet and Writer. Nick participated in the Loft’s 2024 year-long Poetry Apprenticeship with Heid E. Erdrich. Abdirahman (Abdi) Mukhtar is passionate about the health of the young people in his community. A leader, coach for numerous sports teams, mentor, and passionate youth worker over two decades, he is widely known on the West Bank of Minneapolis and in the Somali American community in Minnesota for his community work. He founded Daryeel (the Somali word for “care”) Youth to be a non-judging beacon of light for young people in the throes of active addiction. He welcomes all to his Friday night gatherings, where he supplies food, clean clothing, personal hygiene products, a first aid kit with Narcan, and dressing for wounds. His compassion has earned him the trust of his community, especially parents who are trying to help their children reclaim a healthy life.

Mohamud Nur has been living in Minnesota since 1998. He is a proud father and grandfather. While raising his children, he worked double shifts to support them and ensure his familys survival. Raising children, especially boys in the United States, and particularly in Minnesota, comes with many challenges. It requires time, space, and most importantly, presence. Mohmed made it a priority to not just be a parent, but also a friend to his children.

Moderater Bios:

Suleiman Adan is a writer, poet, and writing teacher whose work has been published in the anthology We are Meant to Rise: Voices for Justice from Minneapolis to the World. In addition to his creative pursuits, Suleiman is a dedicated systems builder, community advocate, and DEI trainer with over a decade of experience empowering teams and building capacity through grassroots trainings and organizing efforts. Passionate about youth education, he has operated a free tutoring company focused on increasing literacy and proficiency in BIPOC youth, while also serving on Education and Arts boards. As an experienced project manager and fundraiser, Suleiman has led diverse global initiatives across sectors. A skilled trainer, he has mobilized volunteers in 8 countries for social justice causes and facilitates critical dialogues on diversity, equity and inclusion. Suleiman currently serves as the Deputy Executive Director at CAIR MN, the nations largest civil rights organization.

Ben Weaver is a father, caregiver, songwriter, poet and hide tanner, who travels by bicycle. He uses music and poetry to strengthen relationships and culture between human and non-human entities. He has released nine studio albums of music and five books of poetry. Given the choice he will side with the animals, lakes, rivers and trees. Relationship is the repair.